Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/194

End of Ends. But you will say why does God use the help of the wicked? Why does not he himself send that better sort of Calamities amongst us; at least the worser by more desirable instruments? Thou art over curiously inquisitive O Man: Neither am I certain whether I am able to explain these Mysteries of Providence. But this I know, that he sufficiently comprehends the reason of his actings; even at such times as we are not able to discern the least of it in them. But what is it that appears so strange, and unusual to us? The Ruler of a Province condemnes a malefactour according to the Laws; and commits the Execution of his Sentence to Brutianus or the Lictor. The Father of a great Family sometimes corrects his Son himself; at others commits it to the care of a Servant or Tutor. Why should not God have the same liberty? Why should not he when he so pleases chastise us with his own hand? And